fic planning in progress.

[wanttobeatree]

1. American citizen lives in Vancouver 9 months of the year, re-enters America by car. What is the procedure here? I'm on the CBP site, but it doesn't really say anything about what actually happens during the border crossing. HOW DOES IT GO? Is there a specific point of entry? Is it like... a toll booth? PERSONAL EXPERIENCES, DO YOU HAVE THEM

Comments

[musical_emjay]

1. Well, seeing as I've crossed the border from B.C. into Washington like a zillion times, here's what I can tell you

[rhythmsextion]

I've only done the crossing on the Toronto side and not through Vancouver, but I'm fairly certain it's the same regardless of where you cross. As far as I remember, it's VERY much like a toll booth in that there are only a few lanes and it takes forever to get through. Basically, you show up, everyone flashes their passport, you get asked some questions like why you're there, if you're bringing anything over with you (fruit, vegetables, other goods -- ALWAYS SAY NO), how long you'll be there, what your astrological sign is. That kinda thing.

I've never been searched, so I have no idea what the protocol is there. Probably if you just look suspicious for whatever reason.

A lady I work with actually just did the Vancouver crossing last week; she drove up from Seattle with her husband. She said it was a breeze to get through. So.

As for the butterfly in a jam jar (do I even want to ask?) I'd say just have the dude hide it in a bag and not look suspicious. And answer NO to whether he's bringing anything over. Heh.

[radiophile]

My old housemate drives across the border to get gas, because it's cheaper in the States. It takes him about 40 minutes, round trip, and he's actually sat down and calculated it and apparently he saves a ton of money each year by doing this. The point of this anecdote is that it's actually very simple to cross the border. Provided you have your passport with you and it isn't rush hour, you can pass through with very little delay. I've crossed the border several times, and it's a lot like a toll booth, only with more security and longer lines.

There are people who live in Vancouver and cross the border every day for work, and vice versa (live in Washington and drive up to Vancouver).

I find that when you cross the border into the States, the guards just ask you a few cursory questions (where are you going, what are your plans, etc.). But when you drive back into Canada, they ask to see receipts, etc. and search your trunk. (*EDIT* Actually, they've only ever searched our trunk ONCE, and I remember my friend telling me that it's the

[ibroketuesday]

I've only driven from Vancouver to Washington once, but on both sides of the border, I flashed my passport, answered a few basic questions, and that was that. I also didn't experience any of the long lines people are mentioning here. Maybe I was lucky!

[neon_footprint]

It sounds like the Severn Bridge with passports!

Ok, gratuitous comment. I know nothing. Sorry.